Interior Design: Lucy Interior Design Builder: Clairmont Design + Build Photography: SPACECRAFTING

According to Liz, the biggest obstacle was coming up with a layout that worked to meet her design wish list. She explains: “The refrigerator used to open up next to the column. The area between the fridge and the column was the primary traffic pattern from the kitchen to the living room. When the fridge door was opened it would block that access path entirely.” This also limited the style of refrigerator that would fit the space. For instance, a French Door refrigerator with freezer wasn’t an option because the freezer drawer wouldn’t open all the way. This is another reason she opted to keep her existing Whirlpool refrigerator. “Correcting this traffic pattern was a big challenge for me,” she adds. “I actually spent years trying to figure out how to correct it. Plus, because the column was just sitting out in the middle of the room, it was very disconnected and detracted from the rest of the space.” She adds that previously all of the counter space were literally swaths of counter every two feet or so. Not very conducive to food prep or work flow! To remedy this, Liz had added an island cart years ago in the hopes of creating more space. However like the column, that too began to feel disconnected and not cohesive. She explains: “We had to walk around it to get from the fridge to the pantry, oven, and stove. The pantry was also on the opposite side of the kitchen from the fridge and made meal preparation cumbersome.” With IKD’s help, the solution presented itself. She explains: “By moving the pantry next to the fridge and extending the corner and adding the peninsula, we gained large areas of counter space as well as correcting the cumbersome traffic pattern. Baking and meal prep is now so efficient! All of the food is right next to each other. We have dedicated baking and prep areas, and a dedicated cooking area. Previously all of the food, prep, and cooking was all broken up throughout the space.” “As for installation, the only issue was that I gave an incorrect dimension to IKD on the location of the window over the sink. I ended up needing to get different dimension cabinets on both sides of the sink and window. Thankfully I noticed this at the very beginning and we were able to recover really easily from the mistake,” she concludes.

Feeling Frank Lloyd Wright's design aesthetic on the exterior of my client's house, I suggested we do a nod to Frank. But this being Florida, one could forgo a strict interruption of historical correctness. This impressive house, located on a knoll, overlooking a river needed a bit of eye candy– something to draw the eye to the entrance. The before pics show some pots and glass bottles. As an exterior designer, enhancing my client's home's architecture is a primary objective. In some cases I suggest upgrades to the existing architecture. Plants are important, but if a house is not presenting well from the street, sometimes small adjustments can make a big difference. Decluttering in some cases can make a big difference. Some houses could use more than minor adjusting– House color changes, pathways, paving, etc... But this client's house needed no architectural upgrading, just icing on this fabulous multi- leveled "cake". Scale and color are important considerations if you are looking to create, eye-pleasing curb appeal. My goal was to simplify some of the elements and also add a WOW factor.

1900 meets 2023 in this historic Brooklyn brownstone overlooking a private backyard oasis. Honoring the home’s legacy is the black and white ¾” mosaic tile floor in an intricate border pattern around the cabinetry and balcony door. Fast-forward to the present with the cutting edge stainless steel waterfall island. Nostalgic touches abound. Cabinetry is white painted traditional inset construction with a graceful ogee inner profile. Double stacked wall cabinets take full advantage of the tall ceiling height, with triple panels and a shallow display cabinet at the hood elevation for added interest. A rolling library ladder provides convenient access to the upper storage. Polished nickel hinges, decorative hardware, faucets, and ladder rails get an updated twist with their pared-down shapes. Perennially popular marble countertops and white subway backsplash tiles further reinforce the period-correct theme. Then flipping the script are contemporary, black-trimmed windows, matte black metal dome pendants, and acrylic island stools. To supply some respite for the sea of white, walnut highlights the interiors of the mullion glass cabinets and the two open tray bases flanking the microwave drawer. The wood accent is repeated in the library ladder, which hangs at the ready and functions as a piece of art.

1900 meets 2023 in this historic Brooklyn brownstone overlooking a private backyard oasis. Honoring the home’s legacy is the black and white ¾” mosaic tile floor in an intricate border pattern around the cabinetry and balcony door. Fast-forward to the present with the cutting edge stainless steel waterfall island. Nostalgic touches abound. Cabinetry is white painted traditional inset construction with a graceful ogee inner profile. Double stacked wall cabinets take full advantage of the tall ceiling height, with triple panels and a shallow display cabinet at the hood elevation for added interest. A rolling library ladder provides convenient access to the upper storage. Polished nickel hinges, decorative hardware, faucets, and ladder rails get an updated twist with their pared-down shapes. Perennially popular marble countertops and white subway backsplash tiles further reinforce the period-correct theme. Then flipping the script are contemporary, black-trimmed windows, matte black metal dome pendants, and acrylic island stools. To supply some respite for the sea of white, walnut highlights the interiors of the mullion glass cabinets and the two open tray bases flanking the microwave drawer. The wood accent is repeated in the library ladder, which hangs at the ready and functions as a piece of art.

1900 meets 2023 in this historic Brooklyn brownstone overlooking a private backyard oasis. Honoring the home’s legacy is the black and white ¾” mosaic tile floor in an intricate border pattern around the cabinetry and balcony door. Fast-forward to the present with the cutting edge stainless steel waterfall island. Nostalgic touches abound. Cabinetry is white painted traditional inset construction with a graceful ogee inner profile. Double stacked wall cabinets take full advantage of the tall ceiling height, with triple panels and a shallow display cabinet at the hood elevation for added interest. A rolling library ladder provides convenient access to the upper storage. Polished nickel hinges, decorative hardware, faucets, and ladder rails get an updated twist with their pared-down shapes. Perennially popular marble countertops and white subway backsplash tiles further reinforce the period-correct theme. Then flipping the script are contemporary, black-trimmed windows, matte black metal dome pendants, and acrylic island stools. To supply some respite for the sea of white, walnut highlights the interiors of the mullion glass cabinets and the two open tray bases flanking the microwave drawer. The wood accent is repeated in the library ladder, which hangs at the ready and functions as a piece of art.

1900 meets 2023 in this historic Brooklyn brownstone overlooking a private backyard oasis. Honoring the home’s legacy is the black and white ¾” mosaic tile floor in an intricate border pattern around the cabinetry and balcony door. Fast-forward to the present with the cutting edge stainless steel waterfall island. Nostalgic touches abound. Cabinetry is white painted traditional inset construction with a graceful ogee inner profile. Double stacked wall cabinets take full advantage of the tall ceiling height, with triple panels and a shallow display cabinet at the hood elevation for added interest. A rolling library ladder provides convenient access to the upper storage. Polished nickel hinges, decorative hardware, faucets, and ladder rails get an updated twist with their pared-down shapes. Perennially popular marble countertops and white subway backsplash tiles further reinforce the period-correct theme. Then flipping the script are contemporary, black-trimmed windows, matte black metal dome pendants, and acrylic island stools. To supply some respite for the sea of white, walnut highlights the interiors of the mullion glass cabinets and the two open tray bases flanking the microwave drawer. The wood accent is repeated in the library ladder, which hangs at the ready and functions as a piece of art.

1900 meets 2023 in this historic Brooklyn brownstone overlooking a private backyard oasis. Honoring the home’s legacy is the black and white ¾” mosaic tile floor in an intricate border pattern around the cabinetry and balcony door. Fast-forward to the present with the cutting edge stainless steel waterfall island. Nostalgic touches abound. Cabinetry is white painted traditional inset construction with a graceful ogee inner profile. Double stacked wall cabinets take full advantage of the tall ceiling height, with triple panels and a shallow display cabinet at the hood elevation for added interest. A rolling library ladder provides convenient access to the upper storage. Polished nickel hinges, decorative hardware, faucets, and ladder rails get an updated twist with their pared-down shapes. Perennially popular marble countertops and white subway backsplash tiles further reinforce the period-correct theme. Then flipping the script are contemporary, black-trimmed windows, matte black metal dome pendants, and acrylic island stools. To supply some respite for the sea of white, walnut highlights the interiors of the mullion glass cabinets and the two open tray bases flanking the microwave drawer. The wood accent is repeated in the library ladder, which hangs at the ready and functions as a piece of art.

Believed to be the oldest building in Excelsior Minnesota, this humble brick structure has transformed, been moved, and housed countless people over its 162 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’, it was built in 1857 and began as the original Excelsior schoolhouse. It was moved to its’ current location in the 1880’s and became a 23-room dormitory for Northwestern Christian College, followed by a boarding house, and finally apartments (in addition to the rumors of more sordid activities in the early 20th century!). After being in the same family for several decades, the owner wanted to transform the building one more time to make it her own home. Citydeskstudio worked closely with her and the Excelsior Historic Preservation Commission on the design. She now occupies the main floor, with additional units above and below for rental and for family. The design celebrates the stout and blocky character of the building with a new modern expansion off the back. There, the building steps and expands outwards in glassy boxes of charred cedar. Inside, the original structure was repaired and uncovered where possible, and previous poorly done modifications were corrected. The center piece of this more open and light-filled home is a rich modern kitchen in walnut, travertine, and steel. The old character remains ever present and is essential to the spirit of The Beehive’s latest transformation. This multigenerational home’s design honors the legacy of the property, marrying the original Excelsior schoolhouse with a beautiful, modern, contextually-sensitive remodel and addition. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

Believed to be the oldest building in Excelsior Minnesota, this humble brick structure has transformed, been moved, and housed countless people over its 162 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’, it was built in 1857 and began as the original Excelsior schoolhouse. It was moved to its’ current location in the 1880’s and became a 23-room dormitory for Northwestern Christian College, followed by a boarding house, and finally apartments (in addition to the rumors of more sordid activities in the early 20th century!). After being in the same family for several decades, the owner wanted to transform the building one more time to make it her own home. Citydeskstudio worked closely with her and the Excelsior Historic Preservation Commission on the design. She now occupies the main floor, with additional units above and below for rental and for family. The design celebrates the stout and blocky character of the building with a new modern expansion off the back. There, the building steps and expands outwards in glassy boxes of charred cedar. Inside, the original structure was repaired and uncovered where possible, and previous poorly done modifications were corrected. The center piece of this more open and light-filled home is a rich modern kitchen in walnut, travertine, and steel. The old character remains ever present and is essential to the spirit of The Beehive’s latest transformation. This multigenerational home’s design honors the legacy of the property, marrying the original Excelsior schoolhouse with a beautiful, modern, contextually-sensitive remodel and addition. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

1900 meets 2023 in this historic Brooklyn brownstone overlooking a private backyard oasis. Honoring the home’s legacy is the black and white ¾” mosaic tile floor in an intricate border pattern around the cabinetry and balcony door. Fast-forward to the present with the cutting edge stainless steel waterfall island. Nostalgic touches abound. Cabinetry is white painted traditional inset construction with a graceful ogee inner profile. Double stacked wall cabinets take full advantage of the tall ceiling height, with triple panels and a shallow display cabinet at the hood elevation for added interest. A rolling library ladder provides convenient access to the upper storage. Polished nickel hinges, decorative hardware, faucets, and ladder rails get an updated twist with their pared-down shapes. Perennially popular marble countertops and white subway backsplash tiles further reinforce the period-correct theme. Then flipping the script are contemporary, black-trimmed windows, matte black metal dome pendants, and acrylic island stools. To supply some respite for the sea of white, walnut highlights the interiors of the mullion glass cabinets and the two open tray bases flanking the microwave drawer. The wood accent is repeated in the library ladder, which hangs at the ready and functions as a piece of art.

Believed to be the oldest building in Excelsior Minnesota, this humble brick structure has transformed, been moved, and housed countless people over its 162 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’, it was built in 1857 and began as the original Excelsior schoolhouse. It was moved to its’ current location in the 1880’s and became a 23-room dormitory for Northwestern Christian College, followed by a boarding house, and finally apartments (in addition to the rumors of more sordid activities in the early 20th century!). After being in the same family for several decades, the owner wanted to transform the building one more time to make it her own home. Citydeskstudio worked closely with her and the Excelsior Historic Preservation Commission on the design. She now occupies the main floor, with additional units above and below for rental and for family. The design celebrates the stout and blocky character of the building with a new modern expansion off the back. There, the building steps and expands outwards in glassy boxes of charred cedar. Inside, the original structure was repaired and uncovered where possible, and previous poorly done modifications were corrected. The center piece of this more open and light-filled home is a rich modern kitchen in walnut, travertine, and steel. The old character remains ever present and is essential to the spirit of The Beehive’s latest transformation. This multigenerational home’s design honors the legacy of the property, marrying the original Excelsior schoolhouse with a beautiful, modern, contextually-sensitive remodel and addition. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

Designer: Allen Construction General Contractor: Allen Construction Photographer: Jim Bartsch Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized 1950s u-shaped eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and red countertops

Believed to be the oldest building in Excelsior Minnesota, this humble brick structure has transformed, been moved, and housed countless people over its 162 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’, it was built in 1857 and began as the original Excelsior schoolhouse. It was moved to its’ current location in the 1880’s and became a 23-room dormitory for Northwestern Christian College, followed by a boarding house, and finally apartments (in addition to the rumors of more sordid activities in the early 20th century!). After being in the same family for several decades, the owner wanted to transform the building one more time to make it her own home. Citydeskstudio worked closely with her and the Excelsior Historic Preservation Commission on the design. She now occupies the main floor, with additional units above and below for rental and for family. The design celebrates the stout and blocky character of the building with a new modern expansion off the back. There, the building steps and expands outwards in glassy boxes of charred cedar. Inside, the original structure was repaired and uncovered where possible, and previous poorly done modifications were corrected. The center piece of this more open and light-filled home is a rich modern kitchen in walnut, travertine, and steel. The old character remains ever present and is essential to the spirit of The Beehive’s latest transformation. This multigenerational home’s design honors the legacy of the property, marrying the original Excelsior schoolhouse with a beautiful, modern, contextually-sensitive remodel and addition. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

Believed to be the oldest building in Excelsior Minnesota, this humble brick structure has transformed, been moved, and housed countless people over its 162 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’, it was built in 1857 and began as the original Excelsior schoolhouse. It was moved to its’ current location in the 1880’s and became a 23-room dormitory for Northwestern Christian College, followed by a boarding house, and finally apartments (in addition to the rumors of more sordid activities in the early 20th century!). After being in the same family for several decades, the owner wanted to transform the building one more time to make it her own home. Citydeskstudio worked closely with her and the Excelsior Historic Preservation Commission on the design. She now occupies the main floor, with additional units above and below for rental and for family. The design celebrates the stout and blocky character of the building with a new modern expansion off the back. There, the building steps and expands outwards in glassy boxes of charred cedar. Inside, the original structure was repaired and uncovered where possible, and previous poorly done modifications were corrected. The center piece of this more open and light-filled home is a rich modern kitchen in walnut, travertine, and steel. The old character remains ever present and is essential to the spirit of The Beehive’s latest transformation. This multigenerational home’s design honors the legacy of the property, marrying the original Excelsior schoolhouse with a beautiful, modern, contextually-sensitive remodel and addition. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

Believed to be the oldest building in Excelsior Minnesota, this humble brick structure has transformed, been moved, and housed countless people over its 162 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’, it was built in 1857 and began as the original Excelsior schoolhouse. It was moved to its’ current location in the 1880’s and became a 23-room dormitory for Northwestern Christian College, followed by a boarding house, and finally apartments (in addition to the rumors of more sordid activities in the early 20th century!). After being in the same family for several decades, the owner wanted to transform the building one more time to make it her own home. Citydeskstudio worked closely with her and the Excelsior Historic Preservation Commission on the design. She now occupies the main floor, with additional units above and below for rental and for family. The design celebrates the stout and blocky character of the building with a new modern expansion off the back. There, the building steps and expands outwards in glassy boxes of charred cedar. Inside, the original structure was repaired and uncovered where possible, and previous poorly done modifications were corrected. The center piece of this more open and light-filled home is a rich modern kitchen in walnut, travertine, and steel. The old character remains ever present and is essential to the spirit of The Beehive’s latest transformation. This multigenerational home’s design honors the legacy of the property, marrying the original Excelsior schoolhouse with a beautiful, modern, contextually-sensitive remodel and addition. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

Believed to be the oldest building in Excelsior Minnesota, this humble brick structure has transformed, been moved, and housed countless people over its 162 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’, it was built in 1857 and began as the original Excelsior schoolhouse. It was moved to its’ current location in the 1880’s and became a 23-room dormitory for Northwestern Christian College, followed by a boarding house, and finally apartments (in addition to the rumors of more sordid activities in the early 20th century!). After being in the same family for several decades, the owner wanted to transform the building one more time to make it her own home. Citydeskstudio worked closely with her and the Excelsior Historic Preservation Commission on the design. She now occupies the main floor, with additional units above and below for rental and for family. The design celebrates the stout and blocky character of the building with a new modern expansion off the back. There, the building steps and expands outwards in glassy boxes of charred cedar. Inside, the original structure was repaired and uncovered where possible, and previous poorly done modifications were corrected. The center piece of this more open and light-filled home is a rich modern kitchen in walnut, travertine, and steel. The old character remains ever present and is essential to the spirit of The Beehive’s latest transformation. This multigenerational home’s design honors the legacy of the property, marrying the original Excelsior schoolhouse with a beautiful, modern, contextually-sensitive remodel and addition. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

Believed to be the oldest building in Excelsior Minnesota, this humble brick structure has transformed, been moved, and housed countless people over its 162 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’, it was built in 1857 and began as the original Excelsior schoolhouse. It was moved to its’ current location in the 1880’s and became a 23-room dormitory for Northwestern Christian College, followed by a boarding house, and finally apartments (in addition to the rumors of more sordid activities in the early 20th century!). After being in the same family for several decades, the owner wanted to transform the building one more time to make it her own home. Citydeskstudio worked closely with her and the Excelsior Historic Preservation Commission on the design. She now occupies the main floor, with additional units above and below for rental and for family. The design celebrates the stout and blocky character of the building with a new modern expansion off the back. There, the building steps and expands outwards in glassy boxes of charred cedar. Inside, the original structure was repaired and uncovered where possible, and previous poorly done modifications were corrected. The center piece of this more open and light-filled home is a rich modern kitchen in walnut, travertine, and steel. The old character remains ever present and is essential to the spirit of The Beehive’s latest transformation. This multigenerational home’s design honors the legacy of the property, marrying the original Excelsior schoolhouse with a beautiful, modern, contextually-sensitive remodel and addition. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

Believed to be the oldest building in Excelsior Minnesota, this humble brick structure has transformed, been moved, and housed countless people over its 162 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’, it was built in 1857 and began as the original Excelsior schoolhouse. It was moved to its’ current location in the 1880’s and became a 23-room dormitory for Northwestern Christian College, followed by a boarding house, and finally apartments (in addition to the rumors of more sordid activities in the early 20th century!). After being in the same family for several decades, the owner wanted to transform the building one more time to make it her own home. Citydeskstudio worked closely with her and the Excelsior Historic Preservation Commission on the design. She now occupies the main floor, with additional units above and below for rental and for family. The design celebrates the stout and blocky character of the building with a new modern expansion off the back. There, the building steps and expands outwards in glassy boxes of charred cedar. Inside, the original structure was repaired and uncovered where possible, and previous poorly done modifications were corrected. The center piece of this more open and light-filled home is a rich modern kitchen in walnut, travertine, and steel. The old character remains ever present and is essential to the spirit of The Beehive’s latest transformation. This multigenerational home’s design honors the legacy of the property, marrying the original Excelsior schoolhouse with a beautiful, modern, contextually-sensitive remodel and addition. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge